Dr. Scott M. Johnson, D.C.

4727 East Bell Road, Suite 61
Phoenix, AZ 85032

602-992-2060

www.phoenixchiro.com
drscott@phoenixchiro.com

Better Health Through Chiropractic

Dr. Scott M. Johnson, D.C.

Better Health, Quality Chiropractic, Affordable Care! 

      About Chiropractic and 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

                     What is true health?

                        What is chiropractic?

        What is a chiropractor?

     How does chiropractic work?

     What do chiropractic doctors do during a visit?

     What type of education do chiropractic doctors get?

     What is an adjustment?

        Chiropractic history 

The first chiropractic adjustment and deafness

What is a Vertebral Subluxation?

What causes a Vertebral Subluxation?

What are the effects of a Vertebral Subluxation?

                        I’ve heard that once you start going to a chiropractor, you have to keep going?

                      How long will I need chiropractic care?

                      Do I have a pinched nerve?

                      Do I have a slipped disc?

                      Are all patients adjusted the same way?

                      Can I adjust myself?

                      Is chiropractic care safe?

                      How will I feel after an adjustment?

                      Can I speed the healing process?

                      Why do children need chiropractic care?

                      Am I too old for chiropractic care?

                      What are some causes of low back pain?

                      How can chiropractic help me?

                      Why do I hurt?

                      Why did my back just suddenly "Go out?"

                      Do kids need chiropractic too?... The first subluxation

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What is true health?

There is much more to being healthy than “just feeling good”... Read these definitions of health, accepted by health care professionals everywhere. Notice the scope and depth of true health. Health goes much farther than “having no pain.”

**Health is a state of optimum physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of a disease or infirmity (pain or sickness). -World Health Organization

**A state of dynamic balance in which an individual’s capacity to cope with all the circumstances of living (adaptation or homeostasis) is at an optimum level. -Stedman’s Concise Medical Dictionary

How do you define your health? Does it fit with these true definitions, or are you selling yourself short?

Call 602-992-2060 today to get back on track

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Definition of Chiropractic

Chiropractic is a branch of the healing arts that specializes in restoring proper joint mechanics and nervous system function. An efficiently working musculoskeletal system and nervous system allows your body to function at it’s “optimum level”. Chiropractic is based on the scientific fact that your body is a self-regulating, self-healing organism. Your bodily functions are controlled by the brain via the spinal cord and all the nerves of the body. If the nervous system is impaired, it can cause malfunction of the tissues and organs throughout the body. The most likely source of interference to the nervous system occurs at the nerve root. There is much less fatty insulation surrounding the nerves here. The bones of the spine can rotate, tip, or move out of proper biomechanical position which can irritate the surrounding soft tissues resulting in inflammation or bulging. This biomechanical aberration resulting in nerve root interference is the subluxation complex. Chiropractic is the science of locating these subluxations, the art of reducing their impact to the nervous system, and the philosophy of all things natural.

You grew into the person you are today from ONE CELL that (chances are) was formed within your mother’s womb. Your body has many different cells that all grew from this one cell. Your nervous system was the first thing formed; like the trunk of a tree your organs budded off like fruit. Your nervous system controls everything that happens in your body with or without you being aware of these complex interactions. If your nervous system is functioning properly, you have the greatest potential to adapt to stresses and be healthy. Stresses include, but are not limited to: germs, viruses, pollutants, accidents, work stress, family stress, financial stress, and even emotional problems.

Sickness does not come from germs & virus’. They are merely the “seed” of disease. There must be suitable soil (the body) for the seed to grow. A healthy individual can be around most germs, sickness, and disease and not get sick! Look at doctors and other health care professionals! We don’t get sick any more than “normal” and we’re are around it daily. Have you ever wondered why, when the flu goes around, some get sick, but not everyone? “Oh”, you say, “They did not catch it!” They did “catch” it however, their immune systems were efficient enough to fight off the infection! Their “soil” was not a suitable host for the germs or viruses to grow and flourish. Organisms are looking for the people with weak “soil” which will allow them to grow. In a healthy individual, the immune system is generally strong enough to ward off most parasites and sickness.  

Today, the chiropractic doctor is considered a primary health-care provider by the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), it is the second largest primary health care provider in the western world, and is practiced internationally. The profession has a membership of more than 50,000 Doctors of Chiropractic in the world today. As of year 2000, there are approximately 36,000 Chiropractors in the United States; 3,000 in Canada; 2,000 in Australia; 1,000 in Japan; 300 in France; and 100-300 in Belgium, Denmark, Great Britain, Italy, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, New Zealand and South Africa. The profession is established in a lesser extent in other European countries, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and South America.

Strengthen your body today so you have the best chance possible to ward off sickness and disease.

Call Dr. Scott at 602-992-2060

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Definition and Scope of  the Chiropractor

A chiropractor is a licensed doctor who has completed a minimum of 4,620 classroom hours of instruction. A chiropractor practices the philosophy, science, and art of chiropractic. A chiropractor embraces the philosophy that life is intelligent and the human body possesses the ability to maintain itself in a natural state of health. A chiropractor studies the sciences of anatomy, chemistry, physiology, histology, nutrition and biomechanics to further understand and support the clinical practice of chiropractic. A chiropractor practices the art of chiropractic by finding vertebral subluxations and correcting them to enable full expression of the body’s inborn/innate intelligence. There are daily “miracles” observed by patients worldwide under chiropractic care.

Discover what miracles could be in store for you by calling 602-992-2060.

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How does chiropractic work?

Chiropractic works by restoring your own inborn ability to be healthy. We are self-healing organisms within the limits of matter. When under the proper control of your nervous system, all the cells, tissues, and organs of your body are designed to resist disease and ill health. The chiropractic approach to better health is to locate and help remove interferences to your natural state of being healthy. A common interference to the nervous system is the 24 moving bones of the spinal column. A loss of normal motion or position of these bones can irritate or impair the function of the nervous system. This can disrupt the transmission of coordinating nerve impulses. With improved spinal function there is often improved nervous system function. Your chiropractic doctor can help remove interferences that may be impairing normal health. Since the primary focus of your care is improved nervous system function, chiropractic can have a positive effect on many health conditions not normally thought of as “back” problems. Chiropractic's first successful treatment corrected a man's deafness in Davenport, Iowa. It is often said that chiropractic care can be effective with conditions from adenoids to athlete’s foot. It all depends on what conditions are being caused by the vertebral subluxation complex.

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What do chiropractic doctors do during a visit?

Helping to restore proper spinal biomechanics and improved nervous system function begins with a case history. This gives the doctor a background about your health, such as surgeries, accidents, the onset of your condition, and other details affecting your current health. After reviewing your history and discussing your specific problem, a thorough orthopedic, neurological, and chiropractic examination may be performed. X-rays may be taken to uncover structural and functional problems associated with the spinal column. These examinations help identify areas of spinal malfunction and resulting nervous system deficit. The findings of these examinations are explained and your case is either taken or referred to where you need to be. If it is decided that you will benefit from chiropractic care, a plan of chiropractic adjustments will be prescribed. Progress is monitored with periodic examinations and follow-up reports. Dr. Johnson makes a strong commitment to patient communication and education.

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What type of education do chiropractic doctors get?

Today’s Doctor of Chiropractic is well educated. After undergraduate studies, today’s chiropractic doctor completes an additional four-year curriculum of over 4,500 college classroom hours of health sciences. The science of chiropractic requires a special emphasis on anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, biomechanics, X-ray, spinal adjusting techniques, and related subjects. This intensive, demanding curriculum prepares chiropractic doctors to locate the Vertebral subluxation Complex and help correct the resulting nervous system dysfunction. To graduate with a Doctor of Chiropractic degree, each candidate passes the demanding National Board Examination. Then, doctors apply to a governmental or professional licensing board and pass yet another test before being granted the privilege to practice. A chiropractor’s education never ends. Most doctors complete postgraduate instruction for license renewal and to stay current on the latest scientific research. Most patients are surprised to know that Doctors of Chiropractic have more hours of education and training in anatomy and musculo-skeletal conditions than do graduating medical doctors.

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What is an adjustment?

 A chiropractic adjustment is the art of using a specific force in a precise direction, applied to a joint that is fixated, “locked up,” or not moving properly and interfering with the nervous system (subluxated). This adds motion to the joint, helping the bones gradually return to a more normal position and motion through biomechanical means such as compression, creep, relaxation, hysteresis, and fatigue. The purpose of this safe and natural procedure is improved spinal function, improved nervous system function, and improved health. There are many ways to adjust the spine, and no one technique is better than another. What is important is what technique the patient responds to best and the best technique to precisely correct the major direction of misalignment. Usually the doctor’s hands deliver a brief, specific, and highly-accurate thrust. Some methods are quick, whereas others require a slow and constant pressure. After years of training and clinical experience, Dr. Johnson has become highly skilled in the delivery of a variety of adjusting approaches.

Please do not mistake a chiropractic adjustment and a manipulation as equivalent. It is not just vernacular, either. By definition and in practice, a manipulation has negative connotations of deceit and gross repositioning. A manipulation is a technical skill that can be learned with little to no artistic qualities. Manipulations of the spine generally involve gross twisting movements for the purpose of getting as many joints to pop as possible. A chiropractic adjustment, however, involves analysis of the spine and the skillful art of correcting the single vertebra's juxtaposition to a proper state or position for the purpose of biomechanical efficiency and release of nervous system irritation or choking so the body can regain proper homeostasis and proper nervous system control.

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Chiropractic History

Chiropractic is a relatively new science, but the relationship between health and proper spinal alignment has existed for thousands of years. The earliest proof was of ancient cave writings at 17,500 B.C. Many other civilizations through the ages, have used spinal manipulation to relieve particular ailments.

Hippocrates, “The Father of Medicine”, was a supporter of spinal manipulation. In fact, he stated “Get knowledge of the spine, for this is the requisite for many diseases.” He knew that only nature, without obstruction, could heal.

Crude types of manipulations existed all over the world until Daniel David (D.D.) Palmer discovered the specific spinal adjustment in 1895. Chiropractic was named by Dr. Samuel H. Weed from the Greek words Cheir, meaning “hand” and praktos meaning “done” or “practice”; hence, “done by hand”. Dr. Palmer and his son, B.J. Palmer, developed chiropractic into it’s specific science, philosophy, and art.

Under the practice of chiropractic, fevers broke, pain ended, infections healed, vision and hearing improved, stomach disorders disappeared, and other miracles happened. The Doctors of Chiropractic knew we were born with all the tools needed to survive sickness and disease. We know that nature, without spinal obstruction, has powerful healing capabilities.

Call 602-992-2060 to begin the removal of these obstructions and unleash your healing capabilities!

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The First Adjustment

(Paraphrased and quoted from B.J. Palmers writings in “Majors and Minors”...)

The first patient who received a Chiropractic adjustment was Harvey Lillard, an African-American janitor in Davenport, Iowa, in 1895. He had been deaf for 17 years and could not hear the wagon wheels upon the cobble stone streets or the streetcars rolling along their tracks. When asked how he became deaf, his explanation follows: “While in a cramped, stooped position, I felt and heard something pop in my back. Immediately, I went deaf.”

D.D. Palmer asked the question, “What is the connection between the back and hearing in the ears?” He proceeded to examine the back of Harvey Lillard. This was the first case in which a spine was examined with that point of view in mind. Consequently, a LARGE bump was found. It was not one of the common bumps we see today in palpation (examination), but so prominent it could be seen with the eye.

The following consequential reasoning occurred. If there was no bump when the hearing was good, and the production of this bump destroyed hearing, why doesn’t the reduction of the bump restore hearing? The first attempt to correct, what is now termed a subluxation, was then made. The patient was put upon the floor, face down, and a shove-like movement was given. The “bump” was reduced by the first three shoves, and in three days, hearing was restored. Harvey could hear a watch tick at the average distance you and I can today.

The next question was, if the reduction of one bump in one man restores hearing, why won’t a similar bump, in other people, produce deafness, and if it does, why wouldn’t the reduction of these bumps, in the same way, restore their hearing? It was tried on others. By a peculiar series of circumstances, the results did not come as readily in their cases, but eventually they came.

Then the third question arose: If a bump in the back caused deafness, why not other parts of the spine produce other disease? So our question gradually enlarged by way of systematic investigations, covering years, until you have your Chiropractic of today.

Education advanced. Skill advanced. X-rays were used to prove mechanical misalignments. Thermographs were used to point to areas of possible nerve malfunction. Theories were dreamed, tested, and refined. The result of decades and a century of clinical use, chiropractic is now known to be the best and most economic health care choice for musculoskeletal (structural) issues and are being proven to prevent and cure other visceral (body & organ) diseases. This is because the body always wants to be in a state of balance or equilibrium. When you have a subluxation, this creates in-coordination and dis-ease which allows the symptoms of disease to present themselves.  

Dr. Scott has even witnessed the return of a young girl's hearing. When in India on a chiropractic mission abroad, a father brought in his daughter to the American doctors. Through translators we found she had gone deaf in childhood. An examination and adjustment was performed. The next day, he returned with her, excited, telling of how she reacted to a telephone ringing. She even reported hearing cars out in the noisy Indian streets! To witness this chiropractic miracle was a truly amazing privilege. Dr. Scott still keeps pictures of this family in office to remind himself and others the power within the body when allowed to express itself freely!

We know that Chiropractic corrects the causes of disease. Call 602-992-2060 today to begin your correction.

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Description of the Vertebral Subluxation

Your brain controls everything in your body by communicating through nerves sprouting from the spinal cord and canal. Each nerve goes to a section of the body where it communicates with the cells, glands, tissues, and organs. It is through these nerves that the brain controls and coordinates all of the functions that happen in your body.

Your brain and spinal cord are protected by bone. Your spinal cord has a series of bones called vertebrae that surround the cord for its protection. Twenty-four vertebrae join to surround the spinal cord. The number of vertebrae allow for a flexible, protective structure. A nerve branch leaves the spinal cord to the left and to the right of the vertebral body through a bony hole. Two vertebrae coming together at a joint form the bony hole. When a vertebra misaligns out of its normal position, it can affect the nerves coming out of these holes by torquing, compressing, or irritating the soft tissues surrounding the nerves. This causes a change in the nerve’s conductivity. The tissues and cells, out at the ends of these nerves, don’t get true nerve flow to and from the brain. Therefore these tissues get altered information from what the brain is sending to them. 

Since the body does whatever the nervous system tells it to do, the tissues of the body begin to malfunction based on this mis-information. This results, over time, in dis-ease and symptoms.

What do you think would happen to a muscle that was malfunctioning?

Answer:(It would either spasm or become more paralyzed)

What would happen if your stomach wasn’t communicating properly with your brain and malfunctioning?

Answer: (It might produce too much or too little acid resulting in heartburn, or ulcers, or esophageal reflux)

What do you think would happen if your body was malfunctioning and you encountered the flu virus or some bacteria?

Answer: (Your immune system might not be able to combat the germ and you would get sick)

When your body is not working in a properly coordinated manner, your body is susceptible to disease.

Call Dr. Scott Johnson at 602-992-2060 now to correct these interferences in your body

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Causes of the Vertebral Subluxation

Vertebral Subluxations are caused by STRESS! Stress can be categorized as any and all of the “three T’s”: Thoughts, Traumas, and Toxins. Thoughts, Traumas, and Toxins are everyday occurrences that cause the body to break down and vertebral subluxations. Normally your body can adapt to these everyday stressors. However, these stressors are additive. Like individual grains of sand building up in a bucket. A little bit of negative thoughts (emotions, stress), plus a little trauma (bumps, falls, & accidents), plus a little toxin (pollution, smoking, fast food) result in a bigger stress than each one alone. There is a limitation to how much your body can handle. Once your additive stress threshold has been reached, vertebral subluxation happens. It should be mentioned that if one of the three T’s occurs with a great enough magnitude to reach the stress threshold, then vertebral subluxation will occur. For instance, if you are in an accident, then you may receive enough trauma to cause a vertebral subluxation. 

Incidentally, chiropractic works by alleviating the structural built up stresses. This breaks the cycle and the the other two stress areas are influenced as well. The result is an overall decrease in the 'Three T's". This is one reason individuals receiving chiropractic care tend to be healthier, happier, more energetic individuals.

                     STRESS                                                    INNATE HEALING ABILITY

1.Structural stress (Trauma)                              1. Inflammation

      a.Car accidents                                                       a.Brings healing cells to area

      b.Falls                                                                    b.Restricts motion for healing

      c.Poor posture                                            2.Muscle spasm

      d.Repetitive motions                                               a.Restricts motion for healing

      e.Improper biomechanics                            3.Immune system

2.Toxin

      a.Poor nutrition

      b.Pollution

      c.Drugs/medications

      d.Anything can be toxic in

            the right quantities

3.Emotional (Thoughts)

      a.Financial stress

      b.Family stress

      c.Job stress

STRESS CAN "OUT-WEIGH" YOUR NATURAL HEALING ABILITY

As a general statement, it is the small, seemingly insignificant imperfections performed consistently over your lifetime that causes more damage than a single big event!

**Excessive stress causes your daily health to fluxuate away from optimum health. Next thing you know, over time, you have a symptom or disease.**

Health » Stress » Mind/Body » Malfunction » Symptoms/Pain » Disease » Cell

                       Incoordination                                                          Death

Call 602-992-2060 to begin removing your built up stresses that are holding you back from your potential.

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Effects of a Vertebral Subluxation

When your brain cannot effectively communicate with your body, there can be a myriad of problems.

There are nine primary bodily functions for life. Motion, Sensation, Heat Production, Secretion, Excretion, Digestion, Repair, Growth, and Reproduction. When there is miscommunication between the brain and the body’s tissues, there can be one of two results: INCREASED FUNCTION or DECREASED FUNCTION.

The increase or decrease of any of these primary functions results in symptoms over time. Symptoms are the result of bodily functions gone wrong. Symptoms are the signal that tells you something is definitely wrong. It takes time for symptoms to show themselves. Symptoms are one of the last indicators that something is wrong! So, if symptoms are occurring, then the problem has probably been there a while.

The nervous system controls and coordinates all organs and structures of the human body (– Gray’s Anatomy). Misalignments of the spinal vertebrae and injury to the discs may cause irritation or a change in conductivity of the nervous system. This change affects the structures, organs, and tissues of the body resulting in aberrant functions of the body and possibly resulting in the conditions listed below

*This chart is based on the Meric System and should be viewed as a loose relationship between the vertebral level, nervous system, the tissues it governs, and the symptoms that may arise with malfunction of those tissues.*

Call Dr. Scott Johnson to get your subluxations corrected today at 602-992-2060.

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I’ve heard that once you start going to a chiropractor, you have to keep going?

Yes, I’ve heard that too. It is a misrepresentation. The chiropractic adjustment can be very temporary if your body is "used" to being unbalanced. Soft tissues have been stretched to this improper position. Chiropractic only becomes more permanent when it is used on a consistent basis, over time, to train and strengthen your soft tissues to this aligned, balanced state.

Think of it like braces on teeth, or a body builder training his muscles. We have to “train” your tissues over time for them to heal to maximum strength. If the tissues aren’t treated properly to allow healing to maximum strength, you see the problem come back (a clinical relapse). We see many patients who follow their chiropractic care schedule to maximum repair, and they don’t have a relapse. You should not be any different. Please don’t blame chiropractic! It is always your choice whether or not to follow your doctor’s recommendations and finish your repair process! 

Remember, chiropractic is a natural mode of healing. You heal only as fast as you heal. There are things you can do at home to ensure it takes the least amount of time possible, but it still takes time. It never fails, the patients who follow their doctor’s recommendations to a ‘T’, heal better, faster, and are happier with their care.

With proper care, many patients observe how much better they feel with their increased energy and overall well being in just a few visits. They then choose a course of chiropractic care to prevent the debilitating effects of spinal decay, pain, and osteo-arthritis! These people think of their chiropractic care as part of their bodily hygiene, just like a daily shower, or ongoing dental checkups! The best compliment I commonly receive is... “Boy, I had no idea I could feel this good. I feel centered, upright, and relaxed! Had I known it could be this good, I would have come years ago!”

Find out just how good you can feel. Call 602-992-2060 today!

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How long will I need chiropractic care?

Every case is different. Spinal problems, neglected since early childhood, may require ongoing supportive care for optimum spinal function, but most patient's get significant reduction in their pain within just a few visits. 

Long-standing problems are often associated with muscle weakness, soft tissue damage, and degenerative changes to the spine that must be rehabilitated. Most patients find that periodic chiropractic checkups help keep them in tip-top shape. Those who are active, have stressful jobs, or want to be their very best, find that a schedule of preventive visits are helpful in the maintenance of good health. 

Some patients seek chiropractic care only when their ache or pain becomes unbearable. While this style of “crisis management” is temporarily effective, it invites a relapse because the tissues were not allowed to heal to maximum strength. This type of care does not progress the patient towards true health and is usually more costly and time-consuming.

Our office stands ready to help all patients, regardless of their health goals. How long you decide to benefit from chiropractic care is always up to you.

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Do I have a pinched nerve?

Many patients consult a chiropractic doctor because they think they have a “pinched nerve”. However, because of the way your spine is designed, abnormal spinal function caused from physical trauma, emotional tensions, or chemical toxins can affect the delicate tissues of the spinal cord and nerve roots. While commonly associated with the spine, the pinched nerve (compressive lesion) is actually rare. Researchers suggest that only 10% to 15% of spine related problems are caused by direct pressure of bone on nerve tissue! A more common cause of the compressive lesion is the soft tissue swelling that accompanies joint mechanical derangement. This can result in numbness, burning, or a “pins and needles” feeling. More frequently, nerves are irritated (facilitative lesion). This is caused when nerve tissue is rubbed, scraped, stretched by a loss of spinal curve, or irritated by malfunctioning spinal joints and damaged soft tissues.

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Do I have a slipped disc?

Technically, a disc can’t “slip.” The intervertebral disc is a pad of cartilage-type material situated between spinal bones. Each disc serves as a connector, spacer, and shock absorber for the spine. A soft, jelly-like center (the nucleus) is contained by outer layers of fibrous tissue. Healthy discs help allow normal turning and bending. Because of the way each disc is attached to the vertebrae above and below, a disc cannot “slip.” However, trauma or injury to the spine can cause discs to tear, bulge, herniate, or worse, rupture. This can be quite painful, as the soft center of the disc leaks, putting pressure on the adjacent nerve roots and spinal cord. 

Many patients have avoided needless surgery or a dependency on pain pills, by choosing chiropractic care for their disc-related health problem. We also offer spinal disc decompression. Research has shown that intermittent axial disc traction, like the procedures performed at Better Health Through Chiropractic, can decrease a disc’s bulging and even “re-inflate” a degenerated, compressed disc!

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Are all patients adjusted the same way?

Dr. Johnson evaluates each patient’s unique spinal problem and develops an individual course of care. The resulting recommendations are based upon years of training and experience. Some patients who complain of headaches, may actually have a lower back problem that is causing a compensation reaction at the base of the skull. Other patients may be experiencing numbness and tingling in their fingers, when the actual problem is in the neck. Every patient presents a uniquely different spinal pattern. Patients notice their chiropractic care is delivered with confidence and precision. Each visit builds on the one before. And while visits may seem similar, each patient’s care is unique from every other patient and vary from day to day. We expect change! You cannot have progress without change.

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Can I adjust myself?

Since a chiropractic adjustment is a specific force, applied in a specific direction, to a specific spinal joint, it is virtually impossible to adjust oneself. It is possible to turn or bend or twist in certain ways to create a “popping” sound, like the sound that sometimes accompanies a chiropractic adjustment. Unfortunately, this type of self-manipulation is usually counterproductive, providing temporary relief at best. Self-manipulation often makes an unstable area of the spine even worse. This leads to degenerative spinal decay and arthritis. Adjusting the spine is not for amateurs! The best way to enjoy the healthful benefits of chiropractic is to receive adjustments from a Doctor of Chiropractic. Even your Doctor of Chiropractic cannot self-adjust. He must seek out the services of another colleague to help restore and maintain their proper spinal function. Dr. Johnson gets checked every week to 2 weeks regardless of if he has symptoms.

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Is chiropractic care safe?

In the words of the New Zealand government’s inquiry, chiropractic care is “remarkably safe.” Chiropractic has an excellent safety record. Insurance companies are in the business of knowing risk. Doctor’s of chiropractic have some of the lowest malpractice insurance premiums of all the health care professionals! Doctors of Chiropractic can pay up to 100 times less than some medical doctors! It is the result of a conservative approach to health that avoids invasive procedures or addictive drugs. A thorough case history and examination help reveal areas of the spine that may be causing nervous system malfunction. This information will be used to determine the best course of care for each patient. Chiropractic care is a natural approach to better health that is proven safe and effective. Chiropractic care is natural; it has no side effects.

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How will I feel after an adjustment?

Remember, chiropractic care is a manual, hands-on mode of treatment. While chiropractic tends to help all kinds of aches, pains, and conditions, the adjustment is not an aspirin or other drug taken to cover up symptoms. Chiropractic addresses the cause and promotes healing from the cause of the problem. Complete recovery of tissue strength may take more than one day or one visit. Chiropractic is a variable process towards true balance and health.

We see three different types of reactions after the initial adjustment. The first type of reaction is that the patient feels immediately better and then begins hurting again after a few hours to a day. This is referred to as “holding the adjustment”. Generally the tissues that hold bones and joints together are stretched and damaged from years of abuse and are not able to “hold” the proper alignment for a longer period of time. Initially the patient has ups and downs until their ligaments are healed and they are able to “hold” the adjustment.

The second type of reaction is no reaction. The patient doesn’t feel much different. These are deeply ingrained problems that have been there for some time. However, with time, patience, and a few more visits, these patients feel much better as they begin to “hold” their adjustments.

The third type of reaction that can be had after the first adjustment is the patient feels worse. This period is generally followed by recovery. Feeling worse is most likely a sign that something has changed. Something is different. A lot of times, the vertebra that has been adjusted has not moved in a long time. Your body sends you signals letting you know that something has just moved, your structure is changing, and something is different. Remember, it is impossible to have progress without change!

Notice that all reactions tend to see relief from chiropractic care and generally feel better over time. Every case is special and has special requirements.

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Can I speed the healing process?

While there aren’t any shortcuts to speed your body’s natural healing process, there is a lot you can do to give yourself the best chance of a quick recovery. Learn proper sitting and lifting methods. Specific exercises may be suggested to help retrain the tissues that support your spine. Proper rest is an important aspect of the healing process, too. Get the appropriate amount of rest your body needs and seek comfortable, safe sleeping positions. During the healing process, proper nutrition is more important than ever. Make sure you eat balanced meals, and if you are overweight, now would be a good time to slim down and reduce unnecessary weight stresses to your spine. Perhaps most important of all, keep your appointments and follow Dr. Johnson’s recommendations for optimum results.

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Why do children need chiropractic care?

Since significant spinal trauma can occur at birth, many parents have their newborns checked for the Vertebral Subluxation Complex. Later, learning to walk, riding a bicycle, and other childhood activities can cause spinal problems. While a bandage and some comforting words can help a skinned knee, the unseen damage to the child’s spine is the unique domain of a Chiropractic Doctor. Many childhood health complaints that are brushed off as “growing pains” can often be traced to the spine. Regular chiropractic checkups can identify these problems and help avoid many of the health complaints seen later in adults. Chiropractic adjustive procedures are modified to fit a child’s spine. Most parents report that their children enjoy their chiropractic adjustment and seem healthier than other children. Chiropractic has been shown to be helpful with scoliosis, ear infections, colic, and many other so-called “normal” childhood health problems.

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Am I too old for chiropractic care?

More and more people are consulting chiropractic doctors, especially in their later years. With growing concerns about over-medication and the side effects of combining various prescription drugs; natural chiropractic care is growing in popularity. Restoring better spinal function can help improve mobility, vitality, endurance, and appetite. Chiropractic is the only health care profession than can literally reverse the effects of degenerative decay and osteo-arthritis. Most patients report improvement with arthritic symptoms and other chronic ailments often associated with the aging process. The adjusting technique used by your doctor will be modified for maximum comfort and results. As we get older and wiser, the simplicity and effectiveness of chiropractic care becomes more and more obvious.

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What are some causes of low back pain?

Studies show that ligament or disc damage is the most common cause of low back pain. Chiropractically speaking, when a vertebra is subluxated, there is an increase in stress to the surrounding joints and this begins the degenerative processes. Water and lubrication are forced to leave the joint. The cushioning discs lose their pliability and cushioning height. In addition, the vertebrae above and below must make up for the kinked loss of motion in the one vertebra and become stretched and torn. This results in “sloppy” joints and the progression of bony spurs eroding off the bone.

The best thing to do is to make a chiropractic appointment and allow the Doctor of Chiropractic to do an assessment. If indicated, then begin chiropractic adjustments. Adjustments will bring motion into the non-moving area. The new motion begins drawing water, lubrication, and nutrition into the joints. All three are imperative for healing of the damaged ligaments or disc.

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How can chiropractic help me?

The most important part of your care is the specific adjustments that Dr. Johnson will make to your spine, and possibly, your extremities. These adjustments safely and effectively reduce pain and improve your ability to function. Additional care, such as ice/heat therapy, physical therapy exercises, and/or ergonomic stabilizers and coaching can and will be used if indicated.

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Why Do I Hurt?

Pain is a warning. It is a signal of malfunction of some vital body circuitry, a message that something is wrong and probably damaged. And even though the presence of pain means that something is wrong, we cannot say the opposite. We cannot say that the absence of pain means that we are necessarily healthy. A person may have no symptoms at all yet be suffering from the first stages of a life threatening disease. Think of cancer, heart disease, or arthritis. These are examples of diseases that do not have many, if any, symptoms in the beginning stages when they are most treatable and preventable. On the other hand, think of a paper cut. It hurts like the dickens, but you are far from a life threatening condition. It is impossible to base any state of health on the presence or absence of pain!

Due to years of exposure to mass-marketing techniques of advertisers and other health care providers, people have come to believe that if they are not in pain, they are healthy. Pop this pill, or swallow this formula, and the pain will go away. Lotions, potions, and pills do not heal! They manipulate your body’s natural healing ability. The ability to heal exists within and is unique to life!

Thinking that healing comes from the outside-in, can be very costly indeed, even fatal. It is like seeing the oil pressure warning light come on your dashboard and simply disconnecting the light instead of checking the oil. Simply disconnecting the symptoms from the brain with drugs is misleading and dangerous because the cause of the problem needs to be checked out by the Doctor of Chiropractic and the problem corrected. It follows that a doctor’s responsibility is not to relieve pain at all costs, but rather to understand why the pain exists and to analyze and treat the cause of that pain.

A more graphic way of understanding the seriousness of pain is by considering the analogy of an iceberg. The tip of the iceberg, visible above the water, can be related to the symptoms (pain) a patient feels. It is the most easily seen and understandable part of the iceberg. But two-thirds of the iceberg is hidden underwater, and this is the part that is serious and poses the biggest threat. There is much more to an iceberg than what meets the eye.

When people ask the question “Why should I come in for a Chiropractic adjustment? I am not in pain,” it is like asking, “Why should I brush? I have all my teeth,” or, “Why should I change my oil? My car gets me from point A to point B.” Health-minded people know if they do not brush, their teeth will not last. They know that if they do not change their oil, their car will not run efficiently, prematurely age, and break down. Health-minded people maintain those habits because they know they play an essential role in their health, vitality and longevity.

Being out of pain does not signal the end of treatment, it is simply the first hurdle to climb over on the road to optimum health.

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Why did my back just suddenly “Go out?”

The phrase, “My back is out,” is generally slang for a subluxation. It is a misnomer and misrepresents the subluxation complex, but never-the-less, it is still sometimes used.

Your spine does not just become subluxated! Every effect must be preceded by a cause. A healthy back doesn’t just “Go Out.” Minor stress accumulates until it is the proverbial ‘straw that broke the camel’s back’. What you don’t realize is that mild, persistent tensions, and small injuries to your spinal tissues have an additive affect. It can cause chronic stress to the spine. It may result from sleeping on a poor mattress for many years, or sitting slumped in a chair, or any other position which produces continual strain on your spine. It is repetitive bending and lifting, even if the object you’re lifting is light as a feather. It is driving a car long distances with your back in a poor position. It is poor posture.

Chronic trauma is any recurring strain put on your back, however mild the strain may be. It occurs many times during each day, day after day. The cumulative effects eventually reach a point at which your back is no longer capable of withstanding it. The same chronic, traumatic stresses created the Grand Canyon. Water slowly eroded the soil into the massive chiasm it is today. The daily traumas to the spine may be small, but they are real and their effects are felt!

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Do kids need chiropractic too?... The first subluxation.

The birthing process can be very traumatic for an infant, as the doctor pulls and twists the baby’s head and neck in order to bring the baby out. The child could experience a subluxation in the neck.

This subluxation in the upper neck area could put pressure on the brain stem causing a number of symptoms. For instance, the child may experience a decrease in his/her immune system function, causing frequent ear infections, ADHD, allergies and asthma. As an adolescent, he/she may experience headaches and low back pain. As an adult, the person may experience headaches, neck pain, low back pain and fatigue.

All of these symptoms could stem from traumatic pulling and twisting of the child’s head and neck at birth. Also, if the doctor uses forceps or a vacuum, these could also cause a subluxation in the upper neck area.

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